Manipulating a User Control from another User Control

**Kevin Spencer** · Nov 17 '05, 07:46 PM

Re: Manipulating a User Control from another User Control

Not sure what you mean by "codebehind is not an option." It SOUNDS like what
you mean is that compiled CodeBehind DLLs are not an option. You can still
use CodeBehind, just put it in the same file as the Page Template. You can
put it right at the top of the Page, in a "runat=serv er" script. Example:

<%@ Page language="C#" %>
<script runat="server" >
public void Page_Load()
{
// Page_Load code goes here
}
</script>
<html>
....Page Template HTML and Code Goes here
</html>

--
HTH,

Kevin Spencer
Microsoft MVP
..Net Developer

TAKempis Internet Programming - BORA BORA

http://www.takempis.com

All hotels in Benidorm. The best selection of Benidorm hotels with reviews and maps. Book in advance and save.

Complex things are made up of
lots of simple things.

"Tom Rowton" <tomrowton@hotm ail.com> wrote in message
news:0a9001c358 32$a9db5a80$a50 1280a@phx.gbl.. .[color=blue]
> This one has me a bit confused and I'm not finding what I
> need in the MSDN or by searching these forums, so here
> goes...
>
>
> I have a rather large, complex code-in-page WebForm
> (don't ask) and a section of that Form is 4 or 5
> ASP:Panels pretending to be a set of Tabs, each with its
> own section of the form.
>
> In order to simplify managing this page, since code-
> behind is not an option (don't ask, not my fault), I
> thought I had the solution...
>
> I would convert each Panel into a User Control.
> The problem is that the panels usually depend on at least
> one Form Control from at least one other Panel.
>
> I already know about RaiseBubbleEven t() and OnBubbleEvent
> () and have used them elsewhere, but they only work going
> UP the container heirarchy.
>
> I need to :
> 1 - (partially) handle an event in the UserControls
> (panels), then (partially handle the same event in
> ANOTHER UserControl(pan el) on the same form/page.
>
> 2 - handle an event in a UserControl(pan el) BUT be able
> to retrieve values from form fields(Controls ) in OTHER
> UserControls(pa nels) to help determine how to handle the
> event.
>
> 3 - (partially) handle an event in the Form(aspx)
> depending on values of form controls in the UserControls
>
> 4 - manipulate values of form controls in the
> UserControls
>
>
> Like I said, I already know how to Bubble events, but
> that only goes up.
> The part I am missing is how to "Elbbub" events (bubble,
> backwards) or manipulate data in child objects.
>
> The trick is, this is all Code-in-Page and nothing will
> convince those in control to return to Code Behind.
>
> Anyone know how to do what I want/need to do?
>
> I have a set of aspx/ascx pages that I can email or ftp
> for anyone interested.[/color]

**Tom Rowton** · Nov 17 '05, 07:46 PM

Re: Manipulating a User Control from another User Control

>Not sure what you mean by "codebehind is not an
option."

By "code-behind", I am referring to the "strict"
definition of code-behind, i.e. a two-file page - *.as*x
+ *.as*x.vb.

I am using single-file or code-in-page pages, similar to
old-style ASP 3.0.

It sounds like maybe you know how to do this with
the "normal" MS-promoted code-behind setup, so if this is
easily converted to a single-file, code-in-page page,
please share the love. ;) I've found plenty of articles
on how to get/set values in User Controls from a page
that contains them using code-behind, but nothing about
doing this from one user control to another with single-
file pages.

I've been banging on this for two days now and can't seem
to retrieve info from one user control with code in
another without Bubbling the event to the parent page
(which works fine, but will only further complicate the
code).

**Kevin Spencer** · Nov 17 '05, 07:46 PM

Re: Manipulating a User Control from another User Control

Hi Tom,

I already DID "share the love," but apparently you didn't notice. Let me
reproduce it for you:

<%@ Page language="C#" %>
<script runat="server" >
public void Page_Load()
{
// Page_Load code goes here
}
</script>
<html>
....Page Template HTML and Code Goes here
</html>

Note the server-side script at the top. All you need to do is put the code
that would normally go in the CodeBehind class definition in a separate file
inside the CodeBehind script at the top of the page. I've already added the
Page_Load script as an example.

You definitely DON'T want to try programming ASP./Net with the old ASP
style. It's not designed for that, and will cause you beaucoups trouble if
you try to work with this Object-Oriented technology in a procedural way.

--
HTH,

Kevin Spencer
Microsoft MVP
..Net Developer

TAKempis Internet Programming - BORA BORA

http://www.takempis.com

All hotels in Benidorm. The best selection of Benidorm hotels with reviews and maps. Book in advance and save.

Complex things are made up of
lots of simple things.

"Tom Rowton" <tomrowton@hotm ail.com> wrote in message
news:001d01c358 40$3a529df0$a30 1280a@phx.gbl.. .[color=blue][color=green]
> >Not sure what you mean by "codebehind is not an[/color]
> option."
>
> By "code-behind", I am referring to the "strict"
> definition of code-behind, i.e. a two-file page - *.as*x
> + *.as*x.vb.
>
> I am using single-file or code-in-page pages, similar to
> old-style ASP 3.0.
>
> It sounds like maybe you know how to do this with
> the "normal" MS-promoted code-behind setup, so if this is
> easily converted to a single-file, code-in-page page,
> please share the love. ;) I've found plenty of articles
> on how to get/set values in User Controls from a page
> that contains them using code-behind, but nothing about
> doing this from one user control to another with single-
> file pages.
>
> I've been banging on this for two days now and can't seem
> to retrieve info from one user control with code in
> another without Bubbling the event to the parent page
> (which works fine, but will only further complicate the
> code).[/color]

**Kevin Spencer** · Nov 17 '05, 07:46 PM

Re: Manipulating a User Control from another User Control

Hi Tom,

Yes, post your sample code. I, for one, am having a hard time understanding
the exact nature of the problem.

I understand your confusion re my use of the term "CodeBehind ." There are a
number of different configurations for implementing what is often referred
to as "CodeBehind code," and this has a tendancy to muddy the water when
discussing how to implement the Class code that completes the Page Template
code. Taken literally, "CodeBehind " does refer to a separate file. I (and
some others) tend to use the term to talk about the "Code Behind the Page,"
which, of course, can be in a separate file or in the same file as the Page
Template (as we've been discussing). In terms of functionality and
optimization, it makes very littel difference whether you use a separate
file, DLLs, or just a single file with the Page Template and Page Class Code
in it.

The most important point, which you seem to understand, is that the code in
the Page Template (between the <html> and </html> tags) have as little
executable code in it as possible, and that you do your manipulation of the
Page through the CodeBehind Class. And I wouldn't be embarrassed to say that
I was including the "CodeBehind " code in the same file as the Page Template.
That is perfectly legitimate. I believe that Microsoft is considering taking
a similar approach in the future with the next version of ASP.Net. It
doesn't necessarily make sense to have ALL of the Pages in a project
compiled into a single DLL, especially when the first request for the page
results in the code being compiled and cached.

--
HTH,

Kevin Spencer
Microsoft MVP
..Net Developer

TAKempis Internet Programming - BORA BORA

http://www.takempis.com

All hotels in Benidorm. The best selection of Benidorm hotels with reviews and maps. Book in advance and save.

Complex things are made up of
lots of simple things.

"Tom Rowton" <tomrowton@hotm ail.com> wrote in message
news:0cdb01c358 48$0261f690$a50 1280a@phx.gbl.. .[color=blue][color=green]
> >I already DID "share the love," but apparently you[/color]
> Ahh, I had to view source, as I've viewing this via
> msdn.microsoft. com, so your asp tags disappeared.
>
> What you describe is basically what I'm doing - code AND
> html in the same file, as opposed to a separate code-
> behind file with an HTML file.
>
> I have no say in how this thing is built, so I have to
> work with it the way it is - single-file webform.
>
> I have an example that shows how I am failing to do what
> I want, does it make sense to post them in my message?
>
>
> Thanks for your help so far, I think I just was unclear
> about meaning _separate_ code-behind files when I
> said "code-behind".[/color]

**Kevin Spencer** · Nov 17 '05, 07:47 PM

Re: Manipulating a User Control from another User Control

Okay, let me see if I understand you correctly. You've got an Event Handler
for one UserControl that needs to do something with another UserControl,
right? It looks to me like your error is in using Page.FindContro l(...). The
FindControl() method of a Control looks for controls in that Control's
Controls Collection (was that a confusing sentence or what?). Your
UserControls are not in the Page's Controls Collection; they are in your
Form's Controls collection. Does that help?

--
HTH,

Kevin Spencer
Microsoft MVP
..Net Developer

TAKempis Internet Programming - BORA BORA

http://www.takempis.com

All hotels in Benidorm. The best selection of Benidorm hotels with reviews and maps. Book in advance and save.

Complex things are made up of
lots of simple things.

"Tom Rowton" <tomrowton@hotm ail.com> wrote in message
news:6bd801c358 5b$7613c060$a00 1280a@phx.gbl.. .[color=blue]
> Ok, I hope this works. I'll just post entire files, and
> separate them by a line of dashes.
> MyCaseSub.ascx was trying to get the value of
> MyCaseMain.ascx 's label, but it wouldn't work. I could
> get the ID of the Case:MainPanel usercontrol, but I can't
> access the Property Method _UNLESS_ I bubble the event to
> MyCase.aspx and let MyCase.aspx call the Get.
>
> Clearly, this is a matter of not understanding the object
> model, but I can't seem to find anyone to tell me how to
> do it without Bubbling, or I'm asking in an unclear
> manner.
>
> TIA,
> Tom
>
> MyCase.aspx
> ------------------------
> <%@ Register TagPrefix="Case " TagName="MainPa nel"
> Src="MyCaseMain .ascx" %>
> <%@ Register TagPrefix="Case " TagName="SubPan el"
> Src="MyCaseSub. ascx" %>
> <%@ Register TagPrefix="Case " TagName="SubPan el2"
> Src="MyCaseSub2 .ascx" %>
> <%@ Import Namespace = "System.Web.UI. WebControls" %>
> <%@ Import Namespace = "System.Data.Sq lTypes" %>
> <%@ Import Namespace = "System.Data.Sq lClient" %>
> <%@ Import Namespace = "System.Drawing " %>
> <%@ Import Namespace = "System.Dat a" %>
> <%@ Import Namespace = "System.Web " %>
> <%@ Import Namespace = "System" %>
> <%@ Page Language="vb" Inherits="Syste m.Web.UI.Page" %>
> <!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0
> Transitional//EN">
> <HTML>
> <HEAD>
> <title>User Controls Test Page</title>
> <script language="VB" runat="server">
>
> Protected Overrides Function OnBubbleEvent(B yVal
> source As Object, ByVal args As System.EventArg s) As
> Boolean
> If source.GetType. Equals (GetType
> (Button)) Then
> Dim oButton As Button = source
> Select Case oButton.ID
> Case "btnMainBut ton"
> 'Change text of
> Subsection Label
>
> SubPanel1.SubLa belValue = "Changed by Main Panel
> via RaiseBubbleEven t()"
> Case "btnSubButt on"
> 'Change text of
> Main Label
>
> MainPanel1.Main LabelValue = "Changed by Sub Panel
> via RaiseBubbleEven t()"
> Case "btnGetMain "
> dim temp as
> string = MainPanel1.Main LabelValue
>
> SubPanel1.lblPa rentValue = temp
> Case "btnSub2But ton"
> 'Change text of
> Main Label and Subsection Label
>
> SubPanel1.SubLa belValue = "**Changed by Sub2
> Panel via RaiseBubbleEven t()**"
>
> MainPanel1.Main LabelValue = "**Changed by Sub2
> Panel via RaiseBubbleEven t()**"
> End Select
> End If
> End Function
>
> sub btnReset_Click( sender as Object, e as
> EventArgs)
> SubPanel1.SubLa belValue = "Sub Panel"
> SubPanelB1.Sub2 LabelValue = "Sub2 Panel"
> MainPanel1.Main LabelValue = "Main Panel"
> end sub
>
> Sub CaseTabBtn_Clic k(sender As Object, e As
> System.EventArg s)
> ' CasePanel.Visib le = True
> ' AssignmentPanel .Visible = False
> end sub
> Sub AssignmentTabBt n_Click(sender As Object, e As
> System.EventArg s)
> ' CasePanel.Visib le = False
> ' AssignmentPanel .Visible = True
> end sub
> sub page_load(sende r As Object, e As System.EventArg s)
> if not page.ispostback
> end if
> end sub
> </script>
> <META content="True" name="vs_showGr id">
> <META content="Micros oft Visual
> Studio.NET 7.0" name="GENERATOR ">
> <META content="Visual Basic 7.0"
> name="CODE_LANG UAGE">
> <META content="JavaSc ript"
> name="vs_defaul tClientScript">
> <META
> content="http://schemas.microso ft.com/intellisense/ie5"
> name="vs_target Schema">
> </HEAD>
> <body runat=server>
> <FORM id="Form1" method="post"
> encType="multip art/form-data" runat="server">
> <asp:literal id="litScript"
> runat="server" EnableViewState ="False"></asp:literal>
> <asp:panel id="MainPanel"
> runat="server" borderwidth="1" borderstyle="ri dge"
> backcolor="Pale Goldenrod" HorizontalAlign ="Center">&nbsp ;
> <CASE:MainPan el
> id="MainPanel1 " runat="server"
> NAME="MainPanel 1"></CASE:MainPanel>
> </asp:panel>
> <P></P>
>
> <asp:linkbutt on id="CaseTabBtn "
> onclick="CaseTa bBtn_Click" runat="server"
> BackColor="Whit e" BorderWidth="1"
> BorderColor="Go ldenrod">Case</asp:linkbutton>   
> <asp:linkbutt on
> id="AssignmentT abBtn" onclick="Assign mentTabBtn_Clic k"
> runat="server" BackColor="Whit e" BorderWidth="1"
> BorderColor="Go ldenrod">Assign ment</asp:linkbutton>  &
> nbsp;
>
> <asp:panel id="CasePanel"
> runat="server" borderwidth="1" borderstyle="ri dge"
> backcolor="Pale Goldenrod" HorizontalAlign ="Center">&nbsp ;
> <CASE:SubPane l
> id="SubPanel1" runat="server"
> NAME="SubPanel1 "></CASE:SubPanel>
> </asp:panel>
>
> <asp:panel id="AssignmentP anel"
> runat="server" borderwidth="1" borderstyle="ri dge"
> backcolor="Pale Goldenrod" HorizontalAlign ="Center">&nbsp ;
> <CASE:SubPane l2
> id="SubPanelB1 " runat="server"
> NAME="SubPanelB 1"></CASE:SubPanel2>
> </asp:panel>
> <asp:button id="btnReset"
> onclick="btnRes et_Click" runat="server" Text="Reset all
> Panels"></asp:button>
> </FORM>
> </BODY>
> </HTML>
>
> ----------------------
> MyCaseMain.ascx
> ----------------------
> <%@ Control Language="vb" AutoEventWireup ="false"
> Inherits="Syste m.Web.UI.UserCo ntrol"%>
> <%@ Import Namespace = "System.Web.UI. WebControls" %>
> <%@ Import Namespace = "System.Data.Sq lClient" %>
> <%@ Import Namespace = "System.Drawing " %>
> <%@ Import Namespace = "System.Dat a" %>
> <%@ Import Namespace = "System.Web " %>
> <%@ Import Namespace = "System" %>
> <script language="VB" runat="server">
> Property MainLabelValue( ) as String
> Get
> Return lblMainLabel.Te xt
> end Get
> Set
> lblMainLabel.Te xt = value
> end Set
> end Property
> sub btnMainButton_C lick(sender as Object, e as
> EventArgs)
> RaiseBubbleEven t(sender, e)
> end sub
> </script>
> <hr>
> Main Section<BR>
> <asp:Label id="lblMainLabe l" runat="server"
> Visible="True"> Main Label(MyCaseMai n.ASCX)
> </asp:Label><BR>< BR>
> <asp:button id="btnMainButt on"
> onclick="btnMai nButton_Click" runat="server" Text="Change
> Subsection Panel"></asp:button>
> <hr>
>
> -----------------
> MyCaseSub.ascx
> -----------------
>
> <%@ Control Language="vb" AutoEventWireup ="false" %>
> <%@ Import Namespace = "System.Web.UI. WebControls" %>
> <%@ Import Namespace = "System.Data.Sq lClient" %>
> <%@ Import Namespace = "System.Drawing " %>
> <%@ Import Namespace = "System.Dat a" %>
> <%@ Import Namespace = "System.Web " %>
> <%@ Import Namespace = "System" %>
> <script language="VB" runat="server">
> Property SubLabelValue() as String
> Get
> Return lblSubLabel.Tex t
> end Get
> Set
> lblSubLabel.Tex t = value
> end Set
> end Property
> Property lblParentValue( ) as String
> Get
> Return lblParent.Text
> end Get
> Set
> lblParent.Text = value
> end Set
> end Property
> sub btnSubButton_Cl ick(sender as Object, e as
> EventArgs)
> RaiseBubbleEven t(sender, e)
> end sub
> sub btnGetMain_Clic k(sender as Object, e as
> EventArgs)
> RaiseBubbleEven t (sender, e)
> ' Dim MyControl as Control =
> Page.FindContro l("MainPanel1 ")
> ' if (not MyControl is Nothing) then
> ' lblParent.Text =
> MyControl.MainL abelValue()
> ' else
> ' lblParent.Text = "MainPanel1 not
> found"
> ' end if
> end sub
> </script>
> <hr>
> Sub Section<BR>
> <asp:Label id="lblSubLabel " runat="server"
> Visible="True"> Sub Label(MyCaseSub .ASCX)</asp:Label><BR>
> Main Panel's ID:<asp:Label id="lblParent"
> runat="server" Visible="True"> </asp:Label><BR>
> <asp:button id="btnSubButto n"
> onclick="btnSub Button_Click" runat="server" Text="Change
> Main section Panel"></asp:button>
> <asp:button id="btnGetMain "
> onclick="btnGet Main_Click" runat="server" Text="Get Main
> Panel label"></asp:button>
> <hr>
>
> --------------[/color]

**Tom Rowton** · Nov 17 '05, 07:47 PM

Re: Manipulating a User Control from another User Control

>Form's Controls collection. Does that help?
It's good info to have, but doesn't really fix my
problem.

in MyCaseSub.ascx where I have commented out
---------------------------------------------
Dim MyControl as Control =
Page.FindContro l("MainPanel1 ")
if (not MyControl is Nothing) then
lblParent.Text =
MyControl.MainL abelValue()
else
lblParent.Text = "MainPanel1 not
found"
end if
------------------------------------------------

The "else" never happens.
MyControl is _never_ Nothing.
I can print the ID out just fine.
But I am unable to access the "MainLabelValue ()" Property
GET - which works just fine from the bubbled event in
MyCase.aspx.

To sum up, I know that Page.FindContro l() finds the
usercontrol, because I can print out the ID I've given it
in the HTML, but I cannot access the Property I've given
in the script block of the UserControl.

Or did I just misunderstand your point?

Manipulating a User Control from another User Control

Manipulating a User Control from another User Control

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